RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018: Data Recovery Solutions and Consequences

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Synology also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018 devices?

RAID configurations in NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018 devices can have a significant impact on data loss prevention. Here are a few ways RAID configurations can help minimize data loss:

1. Redundancy: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6, provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks. This redundancy ensures that if one disk fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining disks. This helps prevent data loss in case of disk failures.
2. Hot Spare: Some RAID configurations, like RAID 5 or RAID 6, allow for the inclusion of a hot spare disk. A hot spare is an extra disk that remains idle until another disk fails. When a failure occurs, the hot spare automatically replaces the failed disk, minimizing the downtime and reducing the risk of data loss.
3. Rebuild Capability: In the event of a disk failure, RAID configurations allow for the rebuilding of data on the failed disk using the redundancy information stored on other disks. The process of rebuilding automatically restores the lost data and ensures the system remains operational, thereby reducing the chances of data loss.
4. RAID Scrubbing: Synology NAS devices, including the FlashStation FS1018, offer a feature called RAID Scrubbing. This feature periodically checks the integrity of the data stored on the disks and repairs any inconsistencies or errors. By proactively identifying and resolving potential issues, RAID scrubbing helps prevent data loss.
5. RAID Expansion and Migration: Synology FlashStation FS1018 devices support RAID expansion and migration. This means you can add more disks to increase storage capacity or migrate to a different RAID configuration without losing any data. These features provide flexibility and scalability while minimizing the risk of data loss during storage upgrades or changes.

It is important to note that while RAID configurations can help mitigate the risk of data loss, they do not guarantee complete protection. Other factors, such as human error, malware, or natural disasters, can still pose threats to data integrity. Therefore, it is advisable to implement additional data backup and disaster recovery solutions alongside RAID configurations for comprehensive data protection.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS FlashStation FS1018 can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

   WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology FlashStation FS1018. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a Synology

FlashStation FS1018 has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
• RAID 6;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 10;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 0;
• Basic;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• Btrfs;
• EXT4;
• EXT3 (External Disk Only);
• FAT32 (External Disk Only);
• exFAT (External Disk Only);
• NTFS (External Disk Only);
• HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Loss resulting from bad sectors;
• User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

   

4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Synology FlashStation FS1018 network-attached storage keeps DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery